On the Xianzhou Luofu, at the edge of Starskiff Haven.
When Tingyun returned to her home, she found that her neighbors had long since moved away.
Stepping closer to the window, she even spotted a talisman meant to exorcise demons and dispel evil.
Tingyun's foxian ears drooped. A look of dejection crossed her face. It seems the matter with Phantylia has affected my reputation most severely.
Yukong quickly stepped forward and crushed the talisman.
"Sigh. I've warned them—Phantylia is Phantylia. You are you."
Tingyun shook her head slightly, tears glistening in her eyes. Her voice was soft.
"Seeking benefit and avoiding harm—it's only natural. To most Xianzhou natives, my existence now probably inspires more fear than anything else."
"Perhaps I should return to Benefactor Ruan Mei sooner."
A familiar voice suddenly rang out.
"Sister Tingyun?! Madam Ruan Mei wasn't lying—you really are alive!"
Bailu came running over. The gloom on Tingyun's face instantly vanished, replaced by a genuine smile.
"Little Bailu? What are you doing here? Didn't the Alchemy Commission send someone to catch you?!"
Bailu shook her head, innocent and carefree.
"Taoran and Danshu have been dealt with. The new Cauldron Chief, Lingsha, is kind. She won't send anyone to drag me back."
Tingyun gently stroked Bailu's head.
"Oh? Out of darkness, light. Misfortune gone, fortune arrived. Is that it, Bailu?"
Bailu grabbed Tingyun's hand.
"Come on! I'll treat you to some mille-feuille rolls!"
Tingyun blinked. Is Bailu about to drag her into another tab? She asked cautiously.
"Bailu, you don't usually have many credits. Let me treat you."
Bailu proudly produced the purple gold card Herta had left her.
"Hehe! The Great Demon Lord Herta left this for me. She's covering my meal expenses for the next three years!"
Tingyun paused.
"Great Demon Lord Herta?"
"Yes! The Great Demon Lord Herta. Others call her Madam Herta."
Tingyun pressed her forehead. Can't escape that woman's name anywhere I go?
Yukong stepped forward to remind them.
"Bailu, it's getting late. I've already contacted Cauldron Chief Lingsha. She's coming to take you back."
Bailu's eyes welled with imaginary tears. She sniffled dramatically.
"Ah?! But... but I finally get to see Sister Tingyun again! And now I have to go back so soon? Wuwu."
Tingyun understood immediately. A love of freedom and play—it's in her nature. She comforted her gently.
"Bailu, come on. Let's buy some snacks first. Then I'll walk with you through Changle as the lanterns light up."
"As for Cauldron Chief Lingsha... when she arrives, I'll explain."
Bailu's face lit up. She gazed at Tingyun with joy.
"Thank you, Sister Tingyun! Let's go explore Changle!"
---
At the same time, Herta City. Within the Simulated World.
It was the 111th year, 11th month, and 11th day of Sparkle's existence as Yu Qingtu.
Yu Qingtu's daily life was simple.
Mixing cocktails. Experimenting. Chatting with any living being willing to listen, asking them how her drinks were.
True Stings. Dreamjolt Troupe members. Fools from the Tavern. Mourning Actors. Memokeepers. Navigators of the Trailblaze...
Every Saturday, she would invite Ruan Mei and Herta to afternoon tea and cocktail gatherings.
At first, they'd glance at the invitation. Afternoon tea? Cocktails? Not relevant to their research. They wouldn't even answer her calls.
Left with no choice, Yu Qingtu had to track them down in person.
Of course, Ruan Mei—aloof and taciturn. Herta—proud and unapproachable. Two of the worst personalities in the universe.
Even when Yu Qingtu invited them face-to-face, they refused outright. No explanation given.
"Ruan Mei! Want to try my new cocktail?"
Ruan Mei would grace her with a cool, distant glance—then walk away without a word.
"Herta! My new—"
Herta would cut her off.
"Talk to Herta #3156."
But Yu Qingtu's personality was such that being ignored once meant nothing. She'd smile and try again. And again...
On the 10,961st invitation to afternoon tea and cocktails, they finally showed up.
Ruan Mei sat to the side, eyes half-closed, drinking tea in solitude, ignoring everyone.
Herta looked down her nose at everyone. In her eyes, this was a complete waste of time.
She grabbed a glass, downed it in one gulp, and turned to leave.
Yu Qingtu rushed over and grabbed her arm.
Herta shot her a cold glance.
"What do you think you're doing? Blocking my path?"
"Madam Herta. The afternoon tea isn't over yet."
Herta crossed her arms, her voice icy.
"Not over, so I can't leave? Says who?"
Faced with Herta's arrogant interrogation, Yu Qingtu could only grab a freshly preserved plum cake—made by Ruan Mei—and offer it to her.
"Try this."
Herta dismissed it with disdain. Utterly self-centered as always.
"As a genius, I naturally understand the harmful effects of such desserts. They'll make me—"
Yu Qingtu fed her the plum cake.
Unlike anything she'd tasted before. This... this...
Herta's eyes lit up with a strange light.
She strode directly to Ruan Mei. Ruan Mei looked up, confused.
In an instant, Herta devoured every remaining pastry. She even snatched the half-eaten one from Ruan Mei's hand.
"Not bad! From now on, every Saturday afternoon, we geniuses should gather like this."
Yu Qingtu's expression brightened. She smiled.
"Geniuses' Repose?"
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Power Stone Progress: 216/225 (5 Chapters)
Power Ranking: 41/10 (10 Chapters)